Against All Odds: My Stage IV Breast Cancer Battle with Dendritic Cell Therapy
- A Long Battle with Breast Cancer
- Discovering Dendritic Cell Therapy
- How Does Therapy Work: Magdalena Explains
- Dendritic Cell Therapy in Germany vs Standard Therapy in Home country
- About the Clinic: Where Care and Expertise Align
- Innovations Within Your Reach
- On a Way to Find Strength and Hope
Breast cancer has been a concerning issue for women worldwide including those of reproductive age. Despite intensive preventive campaign and multiple treatment options, breast cancer spread remains to be worryingly high. Magdalena Ivanova from Bulgaria had been successfully fighting off breast cancer for years only to find out that her disease was still progressing and she had metastases in her bones. This time Magdalena knew: changes in the treatment plan must be made. And dendritic cell therapy came off as a major discovery that has genuinely transformed her life.
A Long Battle with Breast Cancer
Magdalena was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She received an intensive multimodal course of treatment, which consisted of several treatment modalities. First of all, Magdalena underwent radiation therapy, which was followed by a major mastectomy in Bulgaria. After that, she received 4 sessions of chemotherapy, which was “quite challenging” as the woman recalls. When most of the tumor was removed, it was time to deal with metastases. Doctors prescribed hormonal therapy and targeted therapy. For the latter, Magdalena had to visit Bulgaria’s capital Sofia every month for the 8 consequent years to get injections of targeted medication right into the bones. “Anyone who goes through this therapeutic process knows how difficult it is” - comments Magdalena.
Discovering Dendritic Cell Therapy
After undergoing such a challenging treatment, after experiencing significant side effects after the chemotherapy, Magdalena Ivanova started looking for alternatives. It was the time when she discovered dendritic cell therapy. “Since I knew nothing about this treatment, I was sceptical at first” - remembers Magdalena. Yet, specialists at Booking Health provided all the necessary information and explained that this type of treatment is 100% personalized. Now, after the therapy, Magdalena is happy she made the right decision and “everything worked out for the best”.
How Does Therapy Work: Magdalena Explains
After having undergone an exhausting treatment, Magdalena Ivanova was cautious about the new therapy, how long it will be and what side effects she might have. Nevertheless, she was presently surprised by the fact that the treatment process was quite simple. “First, they collect your blood, which is then processed in the lab; simultaneously, doctors isolate dendritic cells and create a vaccine to fight your cancer specifically, which they then administer to you to boost your immune system” - tells Magdalena. Apart from the fair simplicity of the procedure, it does not have any major side effects. “There was one time I felt sick while driving, but other than that I felt absolutely no discomfort during treatment” - says Magdalena. Apart from being patient-friendly, dendritic cell therapy does not require any additional preparation. There are also no restrictions before, during or after the treatment, which allows patients to live their daily life without a shadow of pain or limitations. “I could eat whatever I want, move freely and perform my daily activities” - comments Magdalena with a smile.
Dendritic Cell Therapy in Germany vs Standard Therapy in Home country
As opposed to standard therapy, where everything seems to be known and clear, dendritic cell therapy appears to be some suspicious procedure. Flying to another country, after having rounds of challenging therapy at home, seemed to be a decision full of doubts. However, Magdalena Ivanova wasn’t just looking for another treatment - she and her family were seeking innovations that can grant better quality of life. And it proved to be worthy. “It was a fulfillment of my hopes, and I am happy with that” - proudly states Magdalena. Based on personal experience, Magdalena Ivanova knows how aggressive radiation and chemotherapy could be. Above that, a long list of side effects, which typically accompany these treatments, disrupt normal routine and interfere with some daily activities. Dendritic cell therapy, on the contrary, is totally patient-friendly. It is a procedure that is done on an outpatient basis. There is no need to be hospitalized for weeks. Magdalena shares: “There is no physical preparation needed. The only thing you should do is relax”. Being able to maintain her daily routine and to have a fulfilling life with no disturbing consequences of conventional therapy, Magdalena believes she made the right choice.
About the Clinic: Where Care and Expertise Align
Treatment in Bulgaria required Magdalena Ivanova to visit multiple hospitals throughout the year. However, in Germany she was able to rediscover what is comprehensive care and expertise. Magdalena’s treatment process was supervised by one of the top specialists in dendritic cell therapy in Europe. “Everything was really organized and structured” - recalls Magdalena. The procedures were comfortable, medical personnel communicated warmly and gladly provided all the necessary information to relieve shadows of doubts in Magdalena’s mind. “The professor explained everything in a polite and calm way, so I felt comfy at the clinic” – shares Magdalena today. High-end professionalism and patient-centered care allowed Magdalena to focus entirely on her recovery.
Innovations Within Your Reach
Accessing world-class medical care abroad is now easier and more accessible than ever. With exceptional treatment at top hospitals, rapid admission for advanced procedures like dendritic cell therapy and full coordination of every treatment aspect, with Booking Health patients can focus entirely on healing. A dedicated medical manager ensures your experience is as smooth as stress-free, starting from your initial consultation and ending with your return home.
Here’s what you gett:
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to your condition;
- Fast-track access to innovative therapies – treatment available within 48 hours;
- Transparent, fixed pricing with no unexpected charges;
- No service fees for international patients—save up to 70% on care;
- Complete travel and stay arrangements, all in one place;
- Continued follow-up care during recovery.
Expert care, personalized approach and all-inclusive service – because your medical journey deserves nothing less.
On a Way to Find Strength and Hope
In the face of Stage IV breast cancer, hope can take new forms. Through dendritic cell vaccine therapy – an innovative, personalized immunotherapy – Magdalena has found not just a treatment, but a renewed sense of possibility and regained control of her life. Her journey reflects the key role innovations play in cancer treatment as well as how important their availability is. It’s a message to all who are still fighting cancer: breakthroughs are happening every day. Science is pushing the boundaries of what was previously thought as impossible, and Booking Health specialists will gladly bridge your way towards these advancements. Hold onto hope – tomorrow’s treatments are already changing lives today.
